Big Sky Conference Tournament Information

Cheney, Wash. – For the first time since 2009 and only the sixth time in program history, the Eastern Washington University women's soccer team has secured a spot in the Big Sky Conference Tournament, the league office announced Sunday, Oct. 26.

The upcoming tournament will be held at Montana's South Campus Stadium over four days beginning with two quarterfinal matches next Thursday, Nov. 6.

EWU's seed in the six-team tournament is yet to be determined. The Eagles can finish no worse than sixth place in the final standings and own head-to-head tiebreakers over Northern Arizona, Southern Utah and Sacramento State.

Montana and Portland State are the only other programs to have clinched bids to the tournament heading into the final weekend of play.

"We are extremely excited about making the conference tournament and getting to play in the postseason," said EWU head coach Chad Bodnar. "We set goals early on in the year and playing in the postseason was one of those goals. We have had some growing pains as a program but I am extremely proud of where we are in year one and what these kids have accomplished to this point.

"We are looking forward to the conference tournament and believe that once it kicks off, anyone can win it," Bodnar continued. "We also see this as a huge platform for us a program moving forward here at EWU."

Picked to finish tenth in the Big Sky Preseason Coaches Poll, Eastern has experienced a revival of sorts in Bodnar's first season at the helm. The Eagles' five conference victories are the most in a single season in program history while EWU has had three different players earn Big Sky Player of the Week honors, tying the program record for most weekly awards in a single campaign.

Eastern has scored in all but two of its matches this season, starting the year by scoring in its first 10 contests, setting a new program record in the process. EWU has tallied 25 goals on the year, just three shy of the single-season record, while its 17 assists are tied for the most in a season.

The Eagles will play their final match of the regular season this Friday, Oct. 31, when Montana visits Cheney for a Big Sky tilt at 2 p.m. PT. Eastern will honor its seven seniors prior to kickoff.